Final-set experiment a break with tradition

THE International Tennis Federation have taken the risky, some would say ominous, step of allowing all final sets in matches to be decided by a tie-break instead of the traditional third or fifth set.

Although the step is for an experimental period until the end of Dec 2002, and will not be used for Davis Cup or Grand Slam singles matches, many will see this as the thin end of the wedge as the game faces constant commercial pressure from television to make matches shorter.

A so-called `super tie-break' - the first to reach 10 points with a two points lead, rather than a customary third set - was allowed in mixed doubles matches at the Australian and US Open tournaments this year and last week it was used to decide the doubles final at the Association of Tennis Professionals' tournament in Bucharest.

ATP Tour officials plan to use the extended tie-break in a number of tournaments next year. They feel it will be beneficial, not least when the doubles final is played before the singles final as what one called "a warm-up act". As for the possibility of extending it to the singles, David Higdon, of the ATP, said: "Absolutely not."

One hopes such resolute feelings will be sustained in future, when, as seems inevitable, television companies and those tournament directors, desperate to attract television coverage, will be arguing: "If it's good enough for the doubles, why not also for the singles?."